Eagles Keep `Em Guessing

"The players like it. It`s fun for them," Reid said. "Plus, it gives defenses something to think about."

Criticized last year for his conservative approach to the offense, Reid has introduced plays this year like throwback passes to quarterback Donovan McNabb, having McNabb line up as a wide receiver and a more bombs-away approach.

In Sunday`s 13-9 victory over the Chicago Bears, the Eagles even used the shotgun formation five times. McNabb was 3-of-3 in the shotgun, and two runs gained a total of 10 yards.

"It`s something to give defenses a little different look and to maybe try to hit one big on them," McNabb said. "I think this offense has a lot of variety to it. We`ve only seen a little bit of what`s in the playbook."

Reid wanted his 1999 Eagles to learn the basics of the West Coast offense, so he spoon-fed the scheme to his players. Now, McNabb is in his second year and most of the skill-position players have two years of learning the X`s and O`s of the attack.

Plus, the Eagles know that to survive a playoff run, they have to find ways to score points. The running backs gained just 63 yards on 21 carries against the Bears, and with leading rusher Duce Staley out for the season with a foot injury, the Eagles may have serious troubles sustaining the ground game.

"It`s going to be tough without Duce," said running back Darnell Autry, who carried 14 times for 37 yards Sunday. "You don`t just lose a guy like that and expect to go on like normal. He`s a great running back. We`re having everybody chip in a little bit and hopefully that will be enough. We all have to pick it up and contribute."

Reid realizes he must continue to be imaginative as the surprising Eagles (5-3) head into a critical NFC East game next Sunday against the New York Giants (5-2).

"You have to continue to expand and evolve," he said. "We`re going to try to do whatever it takes to score points. Sometimes, that may mean an unconventional play. I think it sends a message to the players. We`re going to have players understanding that we`re going to continue to be aggressive, no matter the situation."

(Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: AP